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We found out a few weeks ago but we’ve been keeping it a secret. I was convinced we were having two boys – mainly because I’ve had vivid dreams about little boys with B’s blonde curls – so I wanted to triple check before we told the world. We see a high-risk maternal-fetal specialist every two weeks so we get to check in often. I love seeing how much they grow in such a short period of time. Henry is up top and Sloane is below, literally using my bladder as a pillow. I’m hoping she finds a new spot soon!

Initially, we kept the news to ourselves. But our parents could not wait any longer so we had them over for a Sunday lunch with this amazing cake from Edgar’s Bakery here in Birmingham.

Each slice was separated by either a thin layer of blue or pink icing. We also revealed the names – Sloane Bradford and Henry Morgan. And I must note that it only took us about 10 minutes to decide on a name for each so B and I felt that if we agreed that quickly, it was meant to be. Both names represent family – Morgan being my maiden name and Bradford being his and his father’s names.

Sadly, I was too caught up in the moment and forgot to get a good picture of the reveal! But to say the soon-to-be grandparents are ecstatic is an understatement.

Growing two humans is tough stuff. “Morning sickness” is not just reserved for mornings, grumpy exhaustion has led to insanely early bedtimes and around the 7 week mark, I developed a sudden aversion to anything edible that has remained with me at 15 weeks. Noontime naps are a necessity and Phenergan is my best friend. And despite that “beautiful glow” that everyone keeps pointing out, I feel like an ogre. But I can’t complain. I went through hell to get here so I am welcoming this new breed of pain. Because it’s worth it.

Lately, I have found solace in soft, comfy cottons and button-downs from B’s closet. There’s something about slipping into a fine pair of jammers that makes it all a bit better. So today I bring you Friday’s Faves – the Pajama Jam edition.

Never in my wildest pre-adult dreams did I consider that at some point in the future, I would go weeks, much less days, without seeing a best friend. It’s crazy how quickly you grow up and friend time takes a back seat to careers, marriage, children, etc. I haven’t seen a happy hour in ages and I miss them. And I miss our long walk-and-talks and those lazy Sundays curled up with our favorite chick flicks. These days, it takes a miracle to get more than 2 of us in the same spot at one time but when it happens, I’m the happiest girl on the planet.

A few weeks ago I was lucky enough to be surrounded by 7 of my favorites when I announced B and I’s big news. We had long been trying to organize some friend time but summer flew by and before we knew it, most of us hadn’t seen each other since May. And 3 of us live in the same neighborhood – shame on us. So once I made it past 12 weeks, I hit up Paperless Post and got to designing something lovely.

Paperless Post makes things so easy. I added the RSVP feature to keep track of who could make it and 2 weeks later we were catching each other up, stuffing our faces with Chez Fonfon’s famous fries and discussing how gigantic I’m going to get.

Now if I could just get my out-of-towner besties to move to my little city, I might die of happiness.

I have to admit that in the past, I’ve always kind of been a little sad at the arrival of fall. Summer has always been my most favorite time of year – and it’s the longest season that we have here in the South. And fall means that winter isn’t too far away. But this year has been different. I have anxiously awaited the sight of falling leaves and I am truly looking forward to cooler temps and chunky knits. So what’s got me in this new mood? Well, I’ll tell ya.

I know… it’s been awhile since my last post – consider it an extended blog-cation. I’m just not sure where time is going but I can tell you that summer flew by and I have nothing to show for it aside from a tan in a can and a collection of sandals that will probably be off trend next year.

So what have I been up to? A lot. We had a crazy summer mixed with a few relaxing mini-trips and I was handed a variety of new challenges (the good kind) at the 9-5. Life has been exciting lately and I’m doing my best to keep my head balanced between these narrow shoulders.

I hope everyone has had a wonderful week. Boy have I been busy! So I’m keeping today’s faves short and sweet.

:: It’s BLAZING hot here. I feel like I’m living on the surface of the sun these days. And I think this weekend is definitely going to require some pool time.

:: I’ve been feeling much gratitude lately for a lot of things but especially amazing friends. I’ve been a giant ball of stress lately and their little notes, talks on the drive into work and dinner dates have been the perfect medicine.

:: Guess who’s celebrating a big birthday? Cher, that’s who. Believe it or not Clueless is 18 today but let’s be real. It will forever remain timeless.

I recently took the jump into the land of acupuncture. I’ve always been a bit curious about its healing powers in terms of infertility but it wasn’t until my doctor mentioned checking it out that I got serious and made an appointment.

Here’s the rundown: Acupuncture is a component of traditional Chinese medicine and considered one of the oldest healing practices in the world. By stimulating specific acupuncture points by inserting extremely thin needles at specific spots, your body is able to correct imbalances in the flow of energy – or life force known as qi or chi – believed to flow through channels referred to as meridians. Each meridian corresponds to a particular organ, nourishing it and extending it to an extremity. Basically, they keep your yin and your yang in harmony.

My first appointment was preceded by a 30 minute consultation with the acupuncturist. I had been given paperwork to fill out before my visit that asked a bazillion questions about my eating habits, sleeping habits, instances of pain, previous and current medical issues and family history. After checking my pulse, looking at my tongue and fingernails, she gave me the results. Apparently, I have a few things going on that need some attention, most importantly my kidneys are unbalanced and I have a low blood supply. Most of my issues could be cleared up with some major changes to my diet and she recommended that I immediately cut out all dairy, pork, alcohol, wheat and breads. So basically ALL OF THE THINGS I LOVE MOST.

Once we got all that out of the way, I was taken to a dark room where I removed my shoes and climbed onto a massage table. A sound machine played ocean waves while the acupuncturist stuck about a dozen or so needles in different spots. This was not at all painful – weird but not uncomfortable. She turned on a heating lamp at my feet and left the room while I laid there pretending I was relaxing by the sea. After maybe 45 minutes, she returned, removed the pins and I was off to start my day.

The results? I felt happy as a clam and 10 lbs lighter. So I decided to go back.

My second visit was a bit different. I listened to the same waves while she pinned me but this time in different spots. Once she was done, she switched the iPod over to a meditation series, turned on the heating lamp and left. Within minutes I was on another planet. I wasn’t sleeping really but I wasn’t awake either.

I left a total space cadet and spent the rest of the afternoon watching Who’s the Boss reruns.

Would I do it again? Most definitely. I have never felt so relaxed and full of positive energy. And after doing a little research, I think I do believe in the power of acupuncture. It will take some time before I know how it’s working for me but I can tell you that B is loving that I am so chill. Dog hair on the sofa? Don’t care. Finding 6 pairs of his shoes on the floor – in the same room, no less? Didn’t say a word.

I don’t plan on saying sayonara to bacon, wine or cheese anytime soon but I do plan on establishing some limitations on what goes in and adding more of the recommended foods to get my body yinning and yanging.

Southern gal, Teil Duncan’s, beach series has me dreaming of a seaside getaway like woah. I’m hoping we get a chance to pop down to the coast soon or I just might go crazy. Our schedules have been a bit bonkers lately and I think the salty air could do us both a favor. But for now I’m taking a daydream through these delightful pieces. My favorite aspect of this series is that she fully captured my idea of the perfect day at the beach – surrounded by friends with a view of a never-ending sea. You can check out more of her work here. It’s really fantastic!